More applications to education roles, as job opportunities improve
Are you looking to ramp up your hiring efforts as Brexit pressure eases? Well, according to the latest job market report from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, it’s definitely a good time. In fact, applications for new education jobs have increased by a promising 6.6% year-on-year. Indeed, the findings, which analysed job market data from October 2019 and compared it with findings from September 2019 and October 2018, found that salaries for education jobs also increased by an almost equal 6.3% year-on-year. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “Education plays a crucial role in driving a skilled workforce, so it’s encouraging to see this sector perform so well in our latest job market report. Candidates are clearly responding to the market strength and with the country now facing a significant break between any likely conclusion to Brexit, it appears to be a positive time to hire. “That being said, it is important for employers to remain wary. We know that this sector is suffering from a major skills shortage and while applications are up, the result of the upcoming general election could have a huge impact on the job market and how funding is allocated.” As well as this, the amount of education jobs on offer rose by a smaller 3.1% year-on-year, suggesting that employers across the sector are regaining faith in their hiring efforts once more. Biggins continues: “While many employers are tempted to wind down in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year, it’s a good opportunity to get ahead with your hiring plans. The promise of higher pay is driving applications up right now, but it’s important to evaluate and assess the suitability of a candidate before offering them a bumper new pay packet. “Set up a structured, fair and thorough hiring process to give you the best possible chance of making a great hire. Rushing or cutting corners can do more harm than good, and it can increase your chances of letting good candidates slip through the cracks.”
More competition for education roles, as pay increases by 3.7%
According to the latest job market data from the UK’s leading independent job board, CV-Library, the amount of education professionals applying for new jobs increased by 14.5% last month, while average salaries also grew by a comfortable 3.7%. The findings, which compared job market data from June 2019 with the same period last year, comes as welcome news to employers that are hiring right now, as the amount of education professionals looking for work online grew by 50.4%. A key driving factor behind this could well by the jump in pay. The findings reveal that average pay for new education jobs currently sits at £31,142, compared to £30,024 in June 2018. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library comments: “Many organisations have had no choice but to push up their pay packets, as they look to attract more professionals to their companies. Our findings suggest that these efforts may well be paying off, as more people are considering moving jobs right now, particularly across the finance industry.” Despite these positive trends, the amount of education jobs on offer fell by 5.4% year-on-year and a further 0.9% month-on-month, according to the findings. Biggins continues: “While there are less education jobs up for grabs, it’s important to remember that this is not unusual at this time of year, given that hiring tends to slow down in the summer months. However, we could also attribute it to the fact that employers are focussing on offering fewer jobs, with higher pay, in a bid to meet the growing demands of candidates in the market.”
Cash-strapped education professionals work longer hours but struggle to make ends meet
Brand new research from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that despite 62.5% of professionals in the education sector working more hours than they’re contracted to, over half (61.1%) struggle to make ends meet at the end of each month. The study surveyed 1,200 working professionals and found that one in four (44.2%) work 1-3 hours extra per week, amounting to 96 hours per year and meaning education professionals are missing out on £1,467.84* unpaid overtime. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the findings: “We’ve certainly built a reputation for ourselves in the UK for working overtime, with full-time employees working two and half weeks more than the EU average. This is no different in the education sector, where severe underfunding for schools has put extra pressure on its professionals to work longer hours. “Of course, we all have stressful days which cause us to work longer than we’re contracted to. However, if you’re continuing to go the extra mile, without your efforts being recognised, then something’s gone wrong. It’s unfair for managers to expect you to give up your valuable time without financial recognition. Know your worth and don’t settle for any less!” Although professionals in the education sector may be putting in extra hours in the hopes of impressing their boss and securing a pay rise, it appears that employers are failing to pick up on their efforts. The majority (77.8%) of the sector’s professionals believe they’re underpaid, with the survey revealing that: 66.7% of education professionals go into their overdraft before the end of the month 26.3% struggle to pay off their credit card each month 44.4% think that colleagues at a similar level earn more than them Aside from living costs, the top three expenditures of education professionals are groceries (44.4%), insurance (29.6%) and entertainment (24.1%) Biggins concludes: “It’s highly demotivating to feel like you’re putting in extra hours, without reaping the rewards. So, if you think you deserve it, don’t be afraid to ask for a pay review. It will do wonders for your motivation and productivity to have your boss acknowledge your hard work. Plus, we deserve to enjoy our hard-earned money by socialising and doing things we enjoy, rather than worrying about how to pay the bills at the end of the month!”
Over half of education professionals don’t know how to ask for a pay rise
A study conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, has discovered that over half of education professionals (56.3%) don’t know how to ask their employer for a pay rise. A further 51.1% revealed that they’ve never even negotiated on parts of a job offer. What’s more, the survey of 1,200 British professionals reveals that 56.1% of education professionals haven’t received a pay rise in the last 12-18 months. Of those who did, over a quarter (29.4%) received a minimal increase of up to 2%. Below, CV-Library reveals that education is one of the top ten sectors in the UK where Brits are least likely to negotiate on salary: Social Care (59.5%) Hospitality (58.3%) Catering (52.9%) Manufacturing (48.8%) Retail (47.1%) Education (43.8%) Automotive (42.9%) Property (42.1%) Engineering (40.5%) Distribution (37.85) Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “Our survey highlights that a natural fear around bringing up the subject of pay is holding many education professionals back in their careers. Being able to negotiate a pay rise will not only bring you financial reward, but the sense of achievement and increased morale in the workplace. “If you do feel nervous about discussing your pay with your boss, I’d advise doing your research before approaching them. Find out what other employers are offering for similar positions, or even what your own employer’s range is for new hires. Determining your worth is the first step towards knowing how to ask for a pay rise.” Education professionals are in a fantastic position for negotiating pay right now, with salaries for new jobs in education rising by 2.3% in February. This suggests that candidates who don’t know how to ask for a pay rise could be missing out on the chance to improve their job offer. Biggins continues: “In the current UK job market, it’s important to be aware of your worth. With Brexit imminent and unemployment being at its lowest in fifty years, businesses are desperate to not only attract top talent, but hold on to the employees that they’ve got. So, if you’re after a pay rise, now’s the time to start negotiations!”
Education is one of the BEST industries for work-life balance right now!
A new survey from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site, has revealed that 97.1% of education professionals believe that work-life balance is important, with the sector emerging as one of the best for work-life balance. The survey investigated how 1,200 workers in various industries across the UK felt about their work-life balance and whether it affected their career decisions. The results revealed that the education sector was one of the top industries for work-life balance right now. The full list includes: Marketing (82.4%) Finance (81.6%) Legal (77.8%) IT (65.3%) Education (61.7%) Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “Achieving a reasonable work-life balance nowadays is certainly challenging, especially if your employer is piling on the pressure and technology is enabling you to work from anywhere, at any time. While it may prove difficult to obtain a good work-life balance, these results from the education sector show that it’s possible. So if you suffer from poor balance, consider what you can do to make it work: whether it’s approaching your boss about flexible working, or making a conscious effort to leave work on time.” With more education professionals looking to achieve a strong work-life balance, it’s not surprising that 95.7% said they’d be more likely to work for a company which encouraged this balance. In fact, over half (59.6%) claimed that they’ve left a job due to a poor work-life balance, with this being most predominant in the following industries: Legal (66.7%) Catering (61.1%) Social Care (62.2%) Education (59.6%) Hospitality (59.5%) Biggins concludes: “Having a poor work-life balance is simply not sustainable. Even if you love your job, it will impact your ability to do it well and eventually something will have to give. It’s worth sitting down and taking the time to find an employer who’ll add a bit of wellbeing to your life! After all, we spend a large portion of our time at work and it’s a business’ responsibility to do right by their employees.” Kick-start your job hunt with CV-Library and browse over 195,000 live vacancies today!
Research shows employers in the industry DON’T KNOW what education professionals want from a job offer
Despite 89% of employers claiming to know what education professionals find most attractive in a job offer, new data reveals that two fifths (40.4%) actually get it wrong. That’s according to the latest survey from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site. The survey asked the industry’s job hunters what they believe to be the most important aspects of a job offer. It also asked employers what aspects they believe professionals deem to be the most important. When comparing the responses, the data reveals some discrepancies. While 81.3% of education professionals voted salary as the most important factor, only 59.6% of employers thought this would be the case. Other key findings include: Employers believe location to be the least important part of a job offer (5.6%), while education professionals vote this as their second most important factor (70.8%) What’s more, half (50%) of the industry’s professionals placed working hours as the third most important part of a job offer Flexible working is crucial to over one in four education workers (29%), yet only 13.6% of employers believed this to be a priority Finally, 21.1% of employers said benefits and workplace perks are an attractive factor, compared to 18% of professionals in the industry Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “With so much uncertainty across the job market right now, it’s crucial that employers in the industry are doing all they can to attract talented new recruits. Misjudging what candidates are looking for in a job offer can have harmful repercussions for an employer. As such, organisations need to have a clear understanding of what education professionals want from a job, so they can ensure they’re investing in the right areas and offering competitive packages.” What’s more, education professionals were asked to reveal what they look for when scanning a job description, with 91.7% saying they look for set criteria. Interestingly, 56.8% even said they wouldn’t apply to a job if the description didn’t contain the following: Location – 84.1% Salary – 79.5% Working hours – 43.2% Job title – 34.1% Flexible working – 25% Biggins concludes: “Professionals in the education sector know what they want from a job offer and those that are aware of the current climate also know that they can afford to be picky with their choices. With many nervous to switch roles amidst ongoing uncertainty, it’s going to take a competitive package to encourage them to leave their current position. “For this reason, your job descriptions need to clearly show the salary, location, job title and working hours, otherwise you risk losing out on applications. Make this information easy to find and don’t forget to shout about the great perks you have on offer as well!”
Education professionals feel too guilty to take sick days and it’s affecting their mental health
CV-Library offers advice to those who are feeling overworked or struggling with mental health Research from leading job site, CV-Library, has found that the majority of education professionals (65.1%) actually only take one or two sick days a year. What’s more, only 14.3% said they have ‘pulled a sickie’ in the last 12 months. The study sought to uncover just how many sick days the average worker takes each year, and the affect this has on their physical and mental health. Worryingly, two thirds (66.2%) of professionals in the sector said they feel too guilty to take time off when they’re genuinely ill. When asked why they feel too guilty to call in sick, the main reason was because they didn’t want to leave their team in the lurch (39.2%). Other key findings include: Over one in four (29.4%) don’t like taking sick days as they believe it reflects badly on them A further 15.8% say their boss is not very understanding if they are ill And over one in 10 (15%) say calling in sick is frowned upon in their workplace Additional research from CV-Library explored the impact that working overtime can have on people’s physical and mental health. According to the study, two thirds of education professionals (65%) confess to working more than their contracted hours, with 15.4% working an extra 15 hours each week. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the finding: “We’re all guilty of overworking ourselves, especially if we’re trying to make a great impression. But the truth is, going into work when you’re not feeling well is counterproductive. When we’re unwell we find it hard to be as alert and it can be difficult to focus. “What’s more, depending on the nature of your illness, you could pass this on to other members of the team or to the pupils, causing it to spread. Therefore, it’s best to take time out to look after your mental and physical health when you need to, so you can return to work feeling fresh and productive.” CV-Library offers its advice to professionals in the education industry who feel guilty about taking sick days, or have an employer who makes them feel bad for doing so: Speak to your manager: If you feel your manager is being unfair, try speaking to them about your situation, whether it’s problems with your physical or mental health. Together you might be able to come to an arrangement to suit both parties. Create work-life balance: If being overworked is affecting your health, try to create a better work-life balance. Be careful not to take too much work home with you in the evenings. Practise self-care: Take time for yourself before/after work and on your weekends. Do something you enjoy or that helps you unwind. Exercise can be a great way to de-stress and boost your mood. Find a new company: If your boss isn’t able to help or your existing company is not very supportive, it might be time to search for jobs elsewhere! Look for an employer who offers flexible working or mental health days and a culture that promotes work-life balance. If it’s time to find yourself a new role, in a company that encourages you to look after your health, browse over 195,000 live vacancies today!